Generating a CUSMA Certificate of Origin

This guide explains how to use COO Studio to simplify the complex self-certification process for the CUSMA. This is a Free feature.

The Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) uses a self-certification system for certificates of origin, eliminating the need for third-party verification. COO Studio helps you generate compliant certificates by guiding you through the required nine minimum data elements and origin criteria.

Legal Framework

The CUSMA’s origin procedures are outlined in Chapter 5, with certification requirements in Annex 5-A. It allows self-certification by importers, exporters, or producers on any commercial document or separate form, in hard copy or electronic format. No prescribed template is required, but certificates must include nine minimum data elements.

When to Use a CUSMA Certificate

Use a CUSMA certificate when exporting goods to CUSMA member countries (Canada, Mexico, United States) that qualify for preferential tariff treatment. This applies to originating products meeting the rules of origin, potentially reducing or eliminating tariffs. Certificates are not required for shipments under the low-value thresholds: US$2,500 for U.S. imports, CA$3,300 for Canadian imports, and US$1,000 for Mexican imports.

Understanding CUSMA Origin Criteria

Determining if a good qualifies as “originating” is key to CUSMA compliance. The agreement uses specific criteria (A through D) to assess this. COO Studio helps by providing dropdowns and explanations for selection.

• Criterion A (Wholly Obtained or Produced): Goods wholly obtained or produced in CUSMA territories, such as minerals extracted, plants grown, or animals born and raised there.

• Criterion B (Product-Specific Rules): Goods produced in CUSMA using non-originating materials that meet rules like tariff shifts (Change in Tariff Classification - CTC, e.g., a change in HS code), regional value content (RVC, e.g., minimum North American content), or specific processes.

• Criterion C (Produced Exclusively from Originating Materials): Goods produced in CUSMA using only originating materials.

• Criterion D: Other rules as specified in Annex 4-B.

Consult the Product-Specific Rules in Annex 4-B for your HS code. COO Studio’s tooltips provide guidance on selecting the correct criterion.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Select the CUSMA Template

In COO Studio, navigate to the certificate generation section and select the “CUSMA” template from the available options. This template is designed to capture the nine minimum data elements and guide you through origin criteria selection.

2. Fill in the Required Fields

Complete the following mandatory fields based on your shipment details. COO Studio validates inputs to ensure compliance:

• Certifier Role: Indicate if the certifier is the Importer, Exporter, or Producer.

• Certifier Details: Enter your name, title, address (including country), telephone, and email.

• Exporter Details: Provide name, address (including country), email, and telephone if different from certifier. Address must be in a CUSMA country.

• Producer Details: Enter name, address (including country), email, and telephone if different from certifier/exporter. Use “Various” for multiple producers or “Available upon request by the importing authorities” for confidentiality. Address must be in a CUSMA country.

• Importer Details: Provide name, address (including country), email, and telephone if known. Address must be in a CUSMA country. Use “Unknown” or “Various” if applicable.

• Description and HS Tariff Classification: Describe the good, enter the 6-digit HS code, and include invoice number for single shipments.

• Origin Criterion: Select from A (Wholly Obtained), B (Product-Specific Rules), C (Produced Exclusively from Originating Materials), or D (other).

3. Generate and Export Your Certificate

Once all fields are filled, click “Generate” to create the certificate. Export as a PDF or embed in your commercial invoice. Attach it to shipping documents for customs clearance.

Validity and Record Keeping

Certificates are valid for up to 12 months for blanket declarations. Maintain supporting documentation for at least 5 years (6 years in Canada for importers). COO Studio can store and manage your certificates for easy access.

Common Questions

Why is there no official CUSMA template?

The CUSMA allows certifications on any commercial document or separate form, in any format (hard copy or electronic), as long as the nine minimum data elements are included. This flexibility eliminates the need for a prescribed template.

Which countries are part of the CUSMA?

The three member countries are: Canada, Mexico, and the United States.

What does “Available upon request by the importing authorities” mean for the Producer field?

This allows confidentiality for producers who prefer not to disclose their information publicly. Authorities can request details during verification.

What are the low-value shipment thresholds?

Certificates are not required for shipments under: US$2,500 (U.S. imports), CA$3,300 (Canadian imports), or US$1,000 (Mexican imports). COO Studio can flag shipments above these thresholds.

How do I choose the right origin criterion?

Select A (wholly obtained), B (product-specific rules), C (exclusively from originating materials), or D (other). COO Studio provides dropdowns with explanations to guide your choice.

What records must I keep?

Maintain supporting documentation for at least 5 years (6 years in Canada for importers). COO Studio can store and manage your certificates for easy access.

For more details, refer to official CUSMA resources from member countries’ customs authorities, such as U.S. CBP, CBSA, or ANAM.